Hello,
After noticing that my urine was a deep yellow, I visited my doctor and learned that there had either been contact with Hepatitus (still waiting on identification to determine if A, B or C) or an existing condition was activated.

I was immediately taken off HAART meds, sonogram indicated that there was not a liver tumor or other detectable problem. SGOT and SGPT levels appear to be decreasing and my urine is less discolored.

One other factor, I am in an IL-2 study (2nd year). Since being off the meds, the quality of my daily life is much better because I don't have to live by the medication regimentation. My CD is 880 and no detection. With the above as the backdrop, can you offer feedback about continuing the HAART holiday.

Thanks!

Response from Dr. Rodriguez-Torres

When patients in HAART develop jaundice and increase the hepatic tests,many things may be happening:recent contact with a virus that the patient had no immunity ;A,B,C;relapse from previous B hepatitis,or latent disease,Hep C flare up or Cholangiolitis,and most important liver toxicity to the HAART drugs.Also you may have other liver problems as gall blader disease etc.
Your doctor will check for this possibilities and decide when you can go back to treatment.I think that the liver is very important to be protected ,and that the majority of patients with good CD4,do very well with drug vacation.We need to examine if we have exagerated our push for treatment and induced more harm to the liver.You need to discuss this with your doctor, after the work up,and you both see how you do,and decide what is best for you.

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